Amidst a promising season, the New York Yankees find themselves grappling with significant challenges, particularly within their struggling infield. Despite their position as one of baseball’s top teams, recent performances have exposed vulnerabilities, especially with key players like Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres faltering.
This downturn has underscored a critical need for external solutions, potentially through the acquisition of talented infielders via the trade market.
Anthony Rizzo, currently sidelined with a fractured arm, and his replacement, Ben Rice, have struggled to maintain offensive consistency with OPS figures of .630 and .643, respectively. Similarly, Gleyber Torres (.646 OPS) and DJ LeMahieu (.467 OPS) have not met expectations, contributing to the Yankees’ infield woes. The team’s utility options have also fallen short, further highlighting the lack of internal remedies.
In response to these challenges, the Yankees have turned their attention to Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels. Rengifo, having enjoyed a standout season in 2024, boasts a robust .317 batting average alongside a .362 on-base percentage and a .446 slugging percentage. His versatility on defense, capable of playing multiple positions including second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield, makes him an attractive target for the Yankees.
The timing appears opportune for such a move, given the Angels’ position as non-contenders in the American League and Rengifo’s impending free agency after the 2025 campaign. Trading him now could maximize his value for the Yankees, potentially providing the offensive boost needed to complement stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
Securing Rengifo would not only address immediate infield deficiencies but also fortify the Yankees’ roster depth heading into the latter part of the season and playoffs. By leveraging their position in the trade market, the Yankees aim to enhance their competitiveness and strengthen their pursuit of a deeper postseason run.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Yankees’ front office as they navigate the complexities of securing external talent to address internal shortcomings. The addition of a player like Rengifo could prove pivotal in shaping the team’s trajectory and ambitions for championship success in the near future.